Roof vent having labyrinth features

ABSTRACT

A roof vent construction which is comprised of an assembly including a cowl, a base, and a cowl retaining member. These elements provide a structure which provides cover for rain and discourages rain from entering the vent underneath the cowl, but nevertheless allows for suitable ventilation as needed. In one embodiment a configuration is used in which an external baffle is used which air passes before passing underneath a cowl. Once the air is passed underneath the cowl, the air then passes over one and one configuration two internal baffles before the air passes out of a pair of vent cavities defined by the base. In a second configuration, a cowl extends substantially to the leading edge of the construction. Air flows underneath the leading edge of the cowl and then passes over a large internal baffle, over a first small internal baffle, and finally over a second small internal baffle before passing through the vent cavities and out of the structure. Another invention relates to the use of two surface portions on the vent assembly, one surface portion configured to match a first course of tiles and the other surface portion configured to match a second course of tiles adjacent to said first course of tiles.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the full benefit and priority of pendingprovisional application No. 60/491,405, filed, Jul. 31, 2003, entitled“Roof Vent Having Labyrinth Features”. The entire contents of thisprovisional application are likewise incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the construction of roofing, it is known to provide roofs made ofindividual roofing elements. The elements can be flexible, such asasphalt shingles, or rigid, such as clay or concrete tiles.

It is also known to provide vents in the roofing structure to provideroof ventilation. However, providing such venting can introduce problemsrelating to the prevention of water being drawn in along with theventilating air flow. Therefore there is a need in the art to provide animprovement of such vents.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides in improvement of over the art byproviding an improved roof vent that includes improved ventilationfeatures as well as improved aesthetic features.

Generally described, the present invention is directed towards a roofvent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roof structureincluding a plurality of tile members supported by a roofing supportstructure, the vent assembly configured to provide ventilation to theroof structure and comprising a base member configured to be attached toand supported by the roofing support structure, the base memberincluding a ventilation hole and at least one rib below the ventilationhole, and a cowl member including a leading edge, the cowl memberconfigured to be mounted above the ventilation hole of the base member,the cowl member also configured to cover the rib, such that a portion ofair blowing up the incline of the roof structure has to pass along alabyrinth air flow path, the air flow path passing first underneath theleading edge of the cowl member and then over the rib, and finallythrough the ventilation hole.

The present invention is also directed towards a roof vent assembly foruse in connection with an inclined roof structure including a pluralityof tile members supported by a roofing support structure, the ventassembly configured to provide ventilation to the roof structure andcomprising a base member configured to be attached to and supported bythe roofing support structure, the base member including a ventilationhole and also including a front external baffle positioned proximate itsfront edge, and a cowl member including a leading edge, the cowl memberconfigured to be mounted above the ventilation hole of the base memberwhile leaving the front external baffle of the base member exposed, theleading edge being positioned behind the external baffle, such that aportion of air blowing up the incline of the roof structure has to passalong a labyrinth air flow path, the air flow path passing first overthe front external baffle of the base member, underneath the leadingedge of the cowl member, and finally through the ventilation hole.

The present invention is also directed towards roof vent assembly forpositioning within a first generally horizontal course of roof tiles,the first course of tiles being adjacent to and below a second generallyhorizontal course of roof tiles, the vent assembly comprising A) a basedefining at least one upwardly-directed surface portion and a ventportion, the surface portion of the base tending to blend in with atleast some of the upper surfaces of the first course of tiles, and B) acowl attached to and suspended above the vent portion of the base, thecowl defining at least one surface portion tending to blend in with thesecond course of tiles.

The present invention is also directed towards a roof vent assembly forpositioning within a first generally horizontal course of roof tiles,the first course of tiles being adjacent to and below a second generallyhorizontal course of roof tiles, the vent assembly comprising A) a basedefining at least one upwardly-directed surface portion and a ventportion, the surface portion of the base configured to substantiallymatch at least some of the upper surfaces of the first course of tiles,and B) a cowl attached to and suspended above the vent portion of thebase, the cowl defining at least one surface portion configured tosubstantially match at least some of the upper surfaces of the secondcourse of tiles.

The present invention is also directed towards a method for providing aroof vent assembly positioned within a first generally horizontal courseof roof tiles, the first course of tiles being adjacent to and below asecond generally horizontal course of roof tiles, the method comprisingthe steps of A) providing a base defining at least one upwardly-directedsurface portion and a vent portion, the surface portion of the baseconfigured to blend in with at least some of the upper surfaces of thefirst course of tiles, and B) providing a cowl attached to and suspendedabove the vent portion of the base, the cowl defining at least onesurface portion configured to blend in with at least some of the uppersurfaces of the second course of tiles.

The present invention is also directed towards a method for providing aroof vent assembly positioned within a first generally horizontal courseof roof tiles, the first course of tiles being adjacent to and below asecond generally horizontal course of roof tiles, the method comprisingthe steps of A) providing a base defining at least one upwardly-directedsurface portion and a vent portion, the surface portion of the baseconfigured to substantially match at least some of the upper surfaces ofthe first course of tiles, and B) providing a cowl attached to andsuspended above the vent portion of the base, the cowl defining at leastone surface portion configured to substantially match at least some ofthe upper surfaces of the second course of tiles.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved roof structure.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedroof structure, which includes at least one roof vent.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedroof vent.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedroof vent that includes improved rain exclusion features.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedroof vent that includes improved wind exclusion features.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedroof vent that includes improved aesthetic features.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedroof vent that includes improved aesthetic features while at the sametime including improved functional features.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedroof vent that is economical to manufacture while still providingimproved functional and aesthetic features.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedroof vent that is economical to sell while still including improvedfunctional and aesthetic features.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent upon reading the following detailed description of thepreferred embodiment of the invention when taken in conjunction with thedrawing and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIGS. 1-7 are drawings of one embodiment of the invention, whichincludes the use of a “flat” vent assembly including a single externalbaffle 34 in front of a cowl 20.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a first embodiment of a flat vent assembly10 according to one aspect of the present invention. The vent assembly10 includes a cowl 20, a base 30, and a cowl retention member 40.

FIG. 2 is a left side elevational view of the flat vent assembly 10shown in FIG. 1

FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the flat vent assembly 10shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a foot (or “leading”) end elevational view of the flat ventassembly 10 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a head (or “trailing”) end elevational view of the flat ventassembly 10 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the flat vent assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a lower plan view of the vent assembly 10 according to oneaspect of the present invention. As may be seen, the cowl 20 is visiblethrough the two vent cavities 32, which are provided in the base 30 ofthe vent assembly 10.

FIG. 8 is a pictorial view of a second embodiment of a flat roof ventassembly 110.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of that shown in FIG. 8, showing somecomponents thereof, namely the cowl 120 and the base 130.

FIG. 10 is a pictorial view of a third embodiment of a flat roof ventassembly 210. This assembly 210 includes a cowl 220 and a base 230. Theassembly 210 also includes a cowl retention member not shown in thisfigure but illustrated later as 240 in FIG. 13.

FIG. 11 is an isolated pictorial view of the base 230 of FIG. 10. It maybe seen that there is an upturned peripheral wall 236 extending aroundthe vent opening 232, which is defined by the base. The upturned wall232 is configured to reduce the opportunity for water to passtherethrough; instead the water is preferably diverted down the slopeand out of the vent.

FIG. 12 is an isolated view of the cowl 220 of FIG. 10, except the cowlhas been “flipped over” 180 degrees to show its underside. The cowl 220includes two types of elongate members, which extend downwardly in acommon orientation. The first type of elongate members are “standofffeet” 225, and the second type are “engaging tabs” 226. In theembodiment shown there are six (6) of the standoff feet 225, and six (6)of the engaging tabs 226, although other numbers could be used.

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of a cowl retention member 240, as themember would be viewed if the vent assembly was viewed from theunderneath when assembled. The cowl retention member 240 is in oneembodiment a single one piece molded design although other designs arecontemplated. The cowl retention member 240 includes a continuousperipheral wall 241, which will be seen to be shaped somewhat like apentagon, and in any case shaped corresponding to the vent opening 232in the base 230 of the flat roof vent assembly 210. Positioned about thewall 241 is a plurality (six are shown in this embodiment) of cowlengaging portions 242, which are configured to engage the sixcorresponding tabs 226 of the cowl 220. Referring now also to FIG. 15,this peripheral wall 241 could be thought of as having an “L”-shapedtransverse cross section comprised of a first wall 241-A, which fitswithin the vent opening, and a second, “flange” wall 241-B, which wheninstalled fits in planar contact with the underside of the floor plate231 of the base, proximate the vent opening. The cowl-retaining member240 also includes a plurality of ribs 247 which provide structuralintegrity to the member 240.

FIG. 14 is an isolated view of that shown in the dotted line circle ofFIG. 13, with the addition of a tab 266 shown in dotted line extendingup into the plane of the paper. The figure shows an exemplary cowlengaging portion 242 of the cowl retention member 240, particularlyshowing the manner in which a tab 226 (shown in transverse cross sectionin dotted line) engages the barb 245 defined by the cowl retentionmember 240, and is contained on its sides by loop 246. This engagementis done by engagement between the barb 245 and a hole 226H in the end ofthe tab 226, shown in FIG. 12. As may be seen, the loop 246 may includeneeded small (three are shown) locating stubs (not numbered), whichlocate the position of the tab 226 in its desired place. It may beunderstood that as the tab is pressed into place (it would be movedtowards the viewer during the insertion process), the barb 245,essentially being a hump of plastic, “snaps” into place in the hole 226Hin the end of the tab 266, thus interlocking the cowl retention member240 relative to the cowl. As discussed elsewhere, the cowl retentionmember 240 and the cowl 220 combine to capture the base 230therebetween. Reference can also be made to FIG. 20 to better understandthe manner in which the cowl retention member 240 fits up within thehole in the base 230.

FIG. 15 is an isolated view illustrating the manner in which theperipheral wall 241 (of the cowl retaining member 240) fits within theopening 232 of the base 230. The orientation shown is with the basedirected upwardly, with the view from the side. The peripheral wall 241could be thought of as having an “L”-shaped transverse cross sectioncomprised of a first wall 241-A, which fits within the vent opening, anda second, “flange” wall 241-B, which when installed fits in planarcontact with the underside of the floor plate 231 of the base, proximatethe vent opening. This allows the peripheral wall 241 (of the cowlretaining member 240) to fit within the opening 232 of the base 230 in a“nesting manner. The nesting is shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 16 is a pictorial view of a two-humped vent assembly 510 accordingto the present invention. The two-humped vent assembly 510 includes acowl 520 and a base 530. As may be seen, the base 530 includes multiplenail hole locations 539, and also includes two standoff nodules 538,which extend downwardly to provide support of the base 530 atop thebattens or other supporting roof structure or members that support thetiles.

FIG. 17 is another view of the vent assembly of FIG. 16, except that theview is from a lower perspective to show the manner in which the cowl520 extends upwardly relative to the base 530. This view also shows theuse of a “segmented” front external baffle configuration, in which thefront baffling function is provided by baffle segments 535 which arelocated in the upwardly curved or “valley” sections 536 of the base 530.

FIG. 18 is an isolated view of a portion of the cowl 520, illustratingthe manner in which the downwardly-directed standoff feet 525 (a.k.a.support feet) contact the floor plate 531 of the base 530.

FIG. 19 is an isolated view of a portion of the underside of the base530, illustrating a standoff nodule 538, which contacts the roofingstructure supporting the tiles and vents.

FIG. 20 is a pictorial view, viewed from the underside, illustrating theinteraction between a two-humped vent assembly 510 (viewer's left) and atypical similarly shaped tile “T” (viewer's right). Particularly thisshows the use of a location tab 537, which extends from the base 530.This location tab 537 and the base of the two-humped vent assembly 510combine to capture the typical similarly shaped tile to assist in therelative positioning of the two and to keep the vent attached to theroof.

FIG. 21 is a pictorial view of a three-hump vent assembly 710, whichincludes a cowl 720 and a base 730. The base includes a front externalbaffle 731 which as may be seen has a substantially nominal height, andconforms to the curved and flat portions 735, 736, respectively, of theupwardly-directed upper major surface of the base 730.

FIG. 22 is an illustrative view illustrating the dual-level matchingconcept, as provided by a flat vent assembly configuration 10 mountedatop a roof supporting surface SS (which could be provided by battens, aflat surface, or otherwise as known in the art). The flat vent assembly10 is mounted in one course of tiles, which is above a course of tilesincluding tile A, and below a course of tile including tile B. As may beunderstood, the upper surface 20S of the cowl 20 is substantially in thesame plane P as is the upper surface of the flat tile B, while the uppermajor surface 30S of the base 30 of the flat vent assembly 10 is alignedwith the upper surfaces of other tiles in its same course.

It may also be understood that this same type of dual level matchingapplies to the other vent configurations. Although having a curved uppersurface, the upper surface of the cowls of the assemblies 510, 710,likewise tend to blend in with the upper, curved, surfaces of the tilesin the next course above, while the curved upper major surfaces of thebases of these assemblies blend in with the tiles in their same course.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present inventions now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown in the figures. Indeed, theseinventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicablelegal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

General Construction and Operation

Generally described, the vent assemblies described herein include abase, which is attached relative to the supporting roof structure, and acowl, which is attached to the base and covers a ventilation hole in thebase.

In roof vents, the inventor has noted that in certain instances it isdesirable to bring the leading edge of the vent cowl in line with theleading edge of adjacent field tiles. In so doing, a constant shadowline is created on the roof, improving aesthetic integration. However,this has been a challenge to the inventors because of the conflictingfunctional need to prevent wind driven rain entry through the vent.

One particular concept according to one aspect of the present inventionis to use internal labyrinths to afford this rain protection. Thisprovides an improvement over the prior art by allowing the cap (a.k.a.cowl) to come to the leading edge of the vent, in-line with the leadingedge of adjacent roof tiles. This enables a more aesthetic, integratedappearance on the roof.

Another concept according to the present invention is the use of afront, external, baffle in front of the leading edge of the vent cowl.

Another concept according to the present invention relates to theprovision of two different “levels” in the vent assembly, each of whichmatches the contour of a different course of tiles amongst which thevent is mounted. Said another way, the invention includes the genericconcept of matching tile profiles with vent profiles.

Detailed Discussion

More detailed discussion is now made of the various embodiments of thevent assemblies of the present invention. By way of reference, it shouldbe noted that the term “leading” edge is meant to indicate the edge ofthe tile or tile vent that faces “down” the roof towards the ground.This could also be termed the “lower” or “foot” edge. Conversely, a“trailing” edge is meant to indicate the edge of the tile that faces“up” the roof, away from the ground. This could also be termed the“upper” or “head” edge. “Side” edges are the remaining edges thatconnect the two.

There are three general types of vent assemblies that are used under thepresent invention: a flat vent assembly, a “dual hump” vent assembly,and a “triple hump” vent assembly. These assemblies are configured to beused with tiles that have the same general shape; such tiles will berecognized by one skilled in the art. However it should be understoodthat the present inventions described herein could be used with othershapes of tiles. Furthermore, a concept shown in association with onevent assembly (e.g., a flat vent assembly) could be used with anothervent assembly (e.g., a dual hump vent assembly).

The Flat Vent (FIGS. 1-15)

Reference is first made to FIG. 1, which is a pictorial view of a flatvent assembly 10 according to one aspect of the present invention. Thevent assembly 10 includes a cowl 20, a base 30, and also includes in oneembodiment a cowl retention member (not shown in FIG. 1). As discussedin later detail, the base member 30 fits within a first course of tiles,and in at least one embodiment includes an upwardly directed surfaceportion (in this case, flat) that tends to conform to (or “match”)upwardly directed surfaces of the other tiles in the first course oftiles. The cowl member 20 includes an upwardly directed surface portion(in this case, also being flat) that tends to follow the profile of thecourse of tiles above the first course, this course being now referencedas the “second” course.

A cowl retention member (not shown in FIG. 1, but discussed in furtherdetail later) is contemplated for use with this assembly 10 under oneembodiment of the present invention. Under such an embodiment, the cowlretention member would attach to tabs extending down from underneath thecowl. These tabs would fit within holes, blind or otherwise, that wouldaccept the downwardly-extending pin tips and retain them. When such anengagement is made, the cowl retention member and the cowl combine togrip the base.

Referring now also to FIG. 7, the base 30 includes a floor plate 31(which defines what may be referenced as a “lower major surface”), twovent cavities 32 (see FIG. 7—note one or more than two cavities couldalso be used), a generally planar raised shelf 33 having a U-shapedoutline (which defines what may be referenced as an “upper majorsurface”), a front external baffle 34, first and second internal baffles35, 36, (shown in other figures such as FIG. 7) and defines left andright edges 38, 39.

The cowl 20 is attached to the base 30 of the vent assembly 10 by use ofa vent retention member discussed below, and covers the vent holes 32(a.k.a. vent “cavities”) in the base 30, and also covers the first andsecond internal baffles 35, 36, and discussed in later detail. However,the baffle 34 could be considered to be in “front” of the front edge ofthe cowl 20, and the cowl 20 “behind” the baffle 34.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are left and right side elevational views of the assemblyshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a foot (or “leading”) end elevational view of the assemblyshown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a head (or “trailing”) end elevational viewof the assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1. As may beseen, this view shows the top view of the single external baffle 34, thesingle cowl 20 (although two numbers 20 are shown in the figure), andthe U-shaped raised shelf 33. Referring now also to FIG. 1, thisU-shaped raised shelf 33 extends upwardly relative to the floor plate31, such that a depression of sorts is provided, within which the cowl20 can fit. This fit provides for a configuration in which the top,upwardly directed, surface of the cowl 20 is substantially parallel tothe top, upwardly directed, surface of the U-shaped raised shelf 33, yetthe top surface of the cowl 20 is higher than the surface of the shelf33. This is in order to provide an aesthetic appearance of the overallvent assembly by providing the “dual-level matching” concepts notedabove that is provided by the upwardly directed surface portion of thebase 30 tending to conform to, and blend in with, (or “match”) upwardlydirected surfaces of the other tiles in the first course of tiles (thatthe vent is in) and the upwardly directed surface portion of the cowlmember 20 tending to follow the profile of the “second” course, abovethe first course. However, the function is to provide a vent feature,which could not otherwise be provided with a conventional flat tile.

It may be seen that the cowl 20 of FIG. 6 (and FIG. 1) shows a simulated“split line” down through the center of the cowl. This is to simulatetwo tile elements. It should be understood that that line could beremoved (such as is the case with the next embodiment shown in FIG. 8),or other line, contour, or relief configurations could be used. Itshould also be noted that other texturing configurations could be usedas well.

FIG. 7 is a lower plan view of the vent assembly 10 according to oneaspect of the present invention. As may be seen, the cowl 20 is visiblethrough the two vent holes 32 (a.k.a. cavities), which are provided inthe base 30 of the vent assembly 10.

Although this view shown in FIG. 7 is from the underneath of theassembled vent assembly 10, it is helpful in viewing and understandingcertain features that affect airflow and water drainage on the otherside of the base 30. As the base 30 is molded out of relatively thinplanar plastic through a molding process (including but not limited tothermoforming, vacuum forming, injection molding, etc.), it may beunderstood that due to the relatively consistent wall thickness, thatwhich is seen on one side of the blow molded material can give a goodidea of the appearance of the other side of the blow molded material.For example, a depression in one side would correspond to a protrusionon the other side. This is particularly helpful in explaining the shapeof the external baffle 34 and its cooperating first and second internalbaffles 35, 36.

As noted elsewhere in this application, when the flat vent assembly 10is assembled and is in its upright position as shown in FIG. 1, theexternal baffle is positioned outside of the cowl 20. However, the firstand second external baffles 35, 36, respectively, are positionedunderneath the cowl 20.

When wind, combined with rainwater, blows “up” the roof, it will tend toblow along a serpentine path, first over the external baffle 34, andthen immediately dip down and under the leading edge of the cowl 20. Atthis point, the air will then have to go up over the first internalbaffle 35, down into a trough, which is in between baffles 35, and 36,and then up over the second internal baffle 36. Air crossing the crestof the second internal baffle 36 is then free to continue under the cowl20 and out downwardly through the two vent cavities (or cavity) 32 inthe floor plate 31.

It may be understood that sloping ramps 37 exist on the opposing ends ofthe first and second internal baffles. These sloping ramps 37 providefor escaping waterflow from water that may be deposited when crossingthe external baffle 34 or the first internal baffle 35.

FIG. 8 is a pictorial view of a flat roof vent assembly 110. As may beseen, this second embodiment does not include an external baffle such as34 in the previous embodiment. Instead, the cowl 120 extends all the waytowards its foot end so that it is substantially flush with the foot endof the base 130. This provides an aesthetically pleasing image. The cowl120 can be attached to the base in the same manner as in the previousembodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of that shown in FIG. 8, showing somecomponents thereof, namely the cowl 120 and the base 130. 134 is a largeinternal baffle, 135 is a first small internal baffle, and 136 is asecond small internal baffle. As may be seen in this case, all three ofthe baffles are covered by the cowl. However, the relative shapes of thethree baffles 134, 135, and 136 are similar to those of the previouslydiscussed baffles 34, 35, and 36.

FIG. 10 is a pictorial view of a third embodiment of a flat roof ventassembly 210. This assembly 210 includes a cowl 220 and a base 230. Theassembly 210 also includes a cowl retention member not shown in thisfigure but illustrated later as 240 in FIG. 13.

The base 230 includes a floor plate 231 (which defines a lower majorplanar portion), a raised shelf 233 (which defines an upper major planarportion), and a front external baffle 234. The base also includesnailing locations 239 to receive nails for fastening the base to asupporting roof structure.

The cowl 220 includes downwardly oriented standoff feet 225 which biason the top surface of the floor plate 231.

FIG. 11 is an isolated pictorial view of the base 230 of FIG. 10. It maybe seen that there is an upturned peripheral wall 236 extending aroundthe “quasi-pentagon” vent opening 232, which is defined by the base. Theupturned wall 232 is configured to reduce the opportunity for water topass therethrough; instead the water is preferably diverted down theslope and out of the vent.

Also shown in FIG. 11 is the location where a location tab is mounted onthe underside of the base at location 238. The location tab itselfcannot be seen in this view, but due to the thin wall of the base themounting depression for the location tab shows through when the base isviewed from the tap. The portion of the tab that extends sidewardly isshown in dotted line. The function of this tab is similar to thatdiscussed later in connection with location tab 537 in FIG. 20. However,the generally planar tab has its primary planar surfaces positioned inplanes relatively parallel to the generally planar floor plate 231.

FIG. 12 is an isolated view of the cowl 220 of FIG. 10, except the cowlhas been “flipped over” 180 degrees to show its underside. The cowl 220includes two types of elongate members, which extend downwardly in acommon orientation. The first type of elongate members are “standofffeet” 225, and the second type are “engaging tabs” 226, which have holes226H proximate their free tips. In the embodiment shown there are six(6) of the standoff feet 225, and six (6) of the engaging tabs 226,although other numbers could be used.

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of a cowl retention member 240, as themember 240 would be viewed if the vent assembly were viewed from theunderneath when assembled. The cowl retention member 240 is in oneembodiment a single one piece molded design although other designs arecontemplated. The cowl retention member 240 includes a continuousperipheral wall 241, as seen to be shaped somewhat like a pentagon(described herein as a “quasi-pentagon”), and in any case shapedcorresponding to the vent opening 232 in the base 230 of the flat roofvent assembly 210. Positioned about the wall 241 is a plurality (six areshown in this embodiment) of cowl engaging portions 242, which areconfigured to engage the six corresponding tabs 226 of the cowl 220.Referring now also to FIG. 15, this peripheral wall 241 could be thoughtof as having an “L”-shaped transverse cross section comprised of a firstwall 241-A, which fits within the vent opening, and a second, “flange”wall 241-B, which when installed fits in planar contact with theunderside of the floor plate 231 of the base, proximate the ventopening. The cowl-retaining member 240 also includes a plurality of ribs247 which provide structural integrity to the member 240.

FIG. 14 is an isolated view of that shown in the dotted line circle ofFIG. 13, with the addition of a tab 266 shown in dotted line extendingup into the plane of the paper. The figure shows an exemplary cowlengaging portion 242 of the cowl retention member 240, particularlyshowing the manner in which a tab 226 (shown in transverse cross sectionin dotted line) engages the barb 245 defined by the cowl retentionmember 240, and is contained on its sides by loop 246. This engagementis done by engagement between the barb 245 and a hole 226H in the end ofthe tab 226, shown in FIG. 12. As may be seen, the loop 246 may includeneeded small (three are shown) locating stubs (not numbered), whichlocate the position of the tab 226 in its desired place. It may beunderstood that as the tab is pressed into place (it would be movedtowards the viewer during the insertion process), the barb 245,essentially being a hump of plastic, “snaps” into place in the hole 226Hin the end of the tab 266, thus interlocking the cowl retention member240 relative to the cowl. As discussed elsewhere, the cowl retentionmember 240 and the cowl 220 combine to capture the base 230therebetween.

This engagement is done by engagement between the barb 245 and a hole226H in the end of the tab 226, shown in FIG. 12. As may be seen, theloop 246 may include, if needed, small (three are shown) locating stubs(not numbered) which locate the position of the tab 226 in its desiredplace. It may be understood that the tab is pressed into place and thebarb 245 “snaps” into place in the hole 226H in the end of the tab 266,thus interlocking the cowl retention member 240 relative to the cowl. Asdiscussed elsewhere, the cowl retention member 240 and the cowl 220combine to capture the base 230 therebetween.

FIG. 15 is an isolated view illustrating the manner in which theperipheral wall 241 (of the cowl retaining member 240) fits within theopening 232 of the base 230. The orientation shown is with the basedirected upwardly, with the view from the side. The peripheral wall 241could be thought of as having an “L”-shaped transverse cross sectioncomprised of a first wall 241-A, which fits within the vent opening, anda second, “flange” wall 241-B, which when installed fits in planarcontact with the underside of the floor plate 231 of the base, proximatethe vent opening. This allows the peripheral wall 241 (of the cowlretaining member 240) to fit within the opening 232 of the base 230 in a“nesting manner. The nesting is shown in FIG. 20.

The Two Humped Vent (FIGS. 16-20)

FIG. 16 is a pictorial view of a two-humped vent assembly 510 accordingto the present invention. The two-humped vent assembly 510 includes acowl 520 and a base 530. As may be seen, the base 530 includes multiplenail hole locations 539, and also includes two standoff nodules 538,which extend downwardly to provide support of the base 530 atop thebattens or other supporting roof structure or members that support thetiles.

FIG. 17 is another view of the vent assembly of FIG. 16, except that theview is from a lower perspective to show the manner in which the cowl520 extends upwardly relative to the base 530. This view also shows theuse of a “segmented” front external baffle configuration, in which thefront baffling function is provided by baffle segments 535 which arelocated in the upwardly curved or “valley” sections 536 of the base 530.

FIG. 18 is an isolated view of a portion of the cowl 520, illustratingthe manner in which the downwardly-directed standoff feet 525 (a.k.a.support feet) contact the floor plate 531 of the base 530.

FIG. 19 is an isolated view of a portion of the underside of the base530, illustrating a standoff nodule 538, which contacts the roofingstructure supporting the tiles and vents.

FIG. 20 is a pictorial view, viewed from the underside, illustrating theinteraction between a two-humped vent assembly 510 (to the viewer'sleft) and a typical similarly shaped tile “T” (to the viewer's right).Particularly this shows the use of a location tab 537, which extendsfrom the base 530. This location tab 537 is in one embodiment plasticand riveted to the base 530. This location tab 537 and the base of thetwo-humped vent assembly 510 combine to capture the typical similarlyshaped tile to assist in the relative positioning of the two and to keepthe vent attached to the roof.

The Three Humped Vent (Villa) (FIG. 21)

FIG. 21 is a pictorial view of a three-hump vent assembly 710, whichincludes a cowl 720 and a base 730. The base includes a front externalbaffle 731 which as may be seen has a substantially nominal height, andconforms to the curved and flat portions 735, 736, respectively, of thelower major upwardly-directed surface of the base 730.

It should be understood that the front external baffle could also beconfigured so as to have a substantially straight upper edge, such thatthe thickness of the baffle would vary depending on from where the wallwas extending. For example, the wall would be at its thickest whenextending upwardly from the flat segments 736.

The Cowl Fastening System

As noted above, under one embodiment of the invention, the cowlfastening system described below that includes a cowl retention member240, as shown in FIG. 13.

As noted above, referring generally to FIGS. 10-15, the cowl 220includes two types of elongate members, which extend downwardly in acommon orientation. The first type of elongate members are “standofffeet” 225, and the second type are “engaging tabs” 226. In theembodiment shown there are six (6) of the standoff feet 225, and six (6)of the engaging tabs 226, although other numbers could be used.

When the cowl retention member 240 is installed, the standoff feet 225have their bottom tips contacting and biasing atop (but not engaging)the floor surface 231 (a.k.a. the lower major surface) of the base 230,at locations spaced around the opening in the base. The engaging tabs226 extend down and through the vent opening 232 of the base, and engagecorresponding engagement portions 242 of the cowl retention member 240.

The cowl retention member 240 has an outer perimeter, which has aquasi-pentagon shape that allows the cowl retention member 240 to fitinto, and “nest” within the pentagon-shaped opening of the base. Theengaging tabs 226 of the cowl snap-fit into engagement portions 242 ofthe cowl retention member 240, such that the cowl retention member 240and the feet 225 of the base 230 capture the base therebetween. Theengaging tabs do not touch the base, only the cowl retention member 240.The cowl retention member also includes ribs 247 which span the opening;these ribs are for are these for structural integrity.

Alternatives and Accessories

Although the above configurations contemplate the use of a cowlretention member, other configurations may be used to fasten the cowl tothe base without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. For example, L-shaped bracket-type hardware elements (notshown) may be attached to the base and the cowl, and flexible membersmay be used to connect the hardware together and to provide a flexiblebut spaced-apart connection between the cowl and the base. In such aconfiguration no cowl retention member would be used.

The vent assemblies described above can also be used in conjunction witha flat screen provided underneath the vent hole in the base of the ventassembly. A “cloaking device” (not shown) could also be used which actslike a flashing and screen. Essentially, the cloaking device includes abase defining an opening, flashing extending about the periphery of theopening, and a screen at the top of the flashing. The flashingcomponent, which operates similar to that currently in the art, shedswater away from the hole and the screen prevents bugs and rodents fromcrawling into the attic space.

The cloaking device is nailed to the roof deck over the hole to allowthe air into the attic space. The underlayment will overlap the top ofthe base of the cloaking device so water runs off the underlayment ontothe cloaking device, is stopped by the raised wall and runs off thesides back onto the underlayment.

It may be noted that the “labyrinth” feature noted elsewhere in thisapplication may be used in combination with the “dual-level matching”feature, or either feature may be used alone.

It should be understood that although certain combinations of internaland external baffles have been shown for purposes of indication, itshould be understood that there are other alternative configurationsthat still manage to be covered by the present invention. For example,instead of using two small internal baffles, three or one internalbaffles could be used; in fact, any reasonable number of internalbaffles could be used within engineering limitations. At the same time,a large external baffle could be used as shown in the first embodiment,with the large external baffle having various height possibilities,depending on the severity of the weather of the application.Furthermore, the embodiments shown above discuss baffles with a verticalorientation. It should be noted that this is just one embodiment and infact a horizontal labyrinth is also envisioned for the same purpose.Furthermore it could also be said that air passes “through” thelabyrinth as opposed to “over” the labyrinth in such situations.

The Dual-Level Matching Concept

FIG. 22 is an illustrative view illustrating the dual-level matchingconcept, as provided by a flat vent assembly configuration 10 (having acowl 20 and base 30) mounted atop a roof supporting surface SS (whichcould be provided by battens, a flat surface, or otherwise as known inthe art). The flat vent assembly 10 is mounted in one course of tiles,which is above a course of tiles including tile A, and below a course oftile including tile B. As may be understood, the upper surface 20S ofthe cowl 20 is substantially in the same plane P as is the upper surfaceof the flat tile B, while the upper major surface 30S of the base 30 ofthe flat vent assembly 10 is aligned with the upper surfaces of othertiles in its same course.

It may also be understood that this same type of dual level matchingapplies to the other vent configurations. Although having a curved uppersurface, the upper surface of the cowls of the assemblies 510, 710,likewise tend to blend in with, match, and simulate the upper, curved,surfaces of the tiles in the next course above, while the curved uppermajor surfaces of the bases of these assemblies blend in with, match,and simulate the tiles in their same course.

Conclusion

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

1. A roof vent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roofstructure including a plurality of tile members supported by a roofingsupport structure, said vent assembly configured to provide ventilationto said roof structure and comprising: a base member configured to beattached to and supported by said roofing support structure, said basemember including a ventilation hole and at least one rib below saidventilation hole; and a cowl member including a leading edge, said cowlmember configured to be mounted above said ventilation hole of said basemember, said cowl member also configured to cover said rib, such that aportion of air blowing up the incline of the roof structure has to passalong a labyrinth air flow path, said air flow path passing firstunderneath said leading edge of said cowl member and then over said rib,and finally through said ventilation hole.
 2. A vent assembly for use inconnection with an inclined roof structure as claimed in claim 1,wherein said attachment of said base to said supporting roof structureis via nails.
 3. A vent assembly for use in connection with an inclinedroof structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base furthercomprises an external baffle at the foot edge of the base, such that airfirst goes over the large external baffle and then underneath the cowl.4. A vent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roof structureas claimed in claim 1, wherein said vent assembly includes a combinationof base and cowl that generally simulates a flat tile structure.
 5. Avent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roof structure asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said vent assembly includes a combination ofbase and cowl that generally simulates a “humped” tile structure.
 6. Avent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roof structure asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said vent assembly includes a combination ofbase and cowl that generally simulates a “two humped” tile structure. 7.A vent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roof structure asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said vent assembly includes a combination ofbase and cowl that generally simulates a “three humped” tile structure.8. A roof vent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roofstructure including a plurality of tile members supported by a roofingsupport structure, said vent assembly configured to provide ventilationto said roof structure and comprising: a base member configured to beattached to and supported by said roofing support structure, said basemember including a ventilation hole and also including a front externalbaffle positioned proximate its front edge; and a cowl member includinga leading edge, said cowl member configured to be mounted above saidventilation hole of said base member while leaving said front externalbaffle of said base member exposed, said leading edge being positionedbehind said external baffle, such that a portion of air blowing up theincline of the roof structure has to pass along a labyrinth air flowpath, said air flow path passing first over said front external baffleof said base member, underneath said leading edge of said cowl member,and finally through said ventilation hole.
 9. A vent assembly for use inconnection with an inclined roof structure as claimed in claim 8,wherein said vent assembly includes a combination of base and cowl thatgenerally simulates a flat tile structure.
 10. A vent assembly for usein connection with an inclined roof structure as claimed in claim 8,wherein said vent assembly includes a combination of base and cowl thatgenerally simulates a “humped” tile structure.
 11. A vent assembly foruse in connection with an inclined roof structure as claimed in claim 8,wherein said vent assembly includes a combination of base and cowl thatgenerally simulates a “two humped” tile structure.
 12. A vent assemblyfor use in connection with an inclined roof structure as claimed inclaim 8, wherein said vent assembly includes a combination of base andcowl that generally simulates a “three humped” tile structure.
 13. Aroof vent assembly for positioning within a first generally horizontalcourse of roof tiles, said first course of tiles being adjacent to andbelow a second generally horizontal course of roof tiles, said ventassembly comprising: A) a base defining at least one upwardly-directedsurface portion and a vent portion, said surface portion of said basetending to blend in with at least some of the upper surfaces of saidfirst course of tiles; and B) a cowl attached to and suspended abovesaid vent portion of said base, said cowl defining at least one surfaceportion tending to blend in with said second course of tiles.
 14. A ventassembly for use in connection with an inclined roof structure asclaimed in claim 13, wherein said vent assembly includes a combinationof base and cowl that generally simulates a flat tile structure.
 15. Avent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roof structure asclaimed in claim 13, wherein said vent assembly includes a combinationof base and cowl that generally simulates a “humped” tile structure. 16.A vent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roof structure asclaimed in claim 13, wherein said vent assembly includes a combinationof base and cowl that generally simulates a “two humped” tile structure.17. A vent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roofstructure as claimed in claim 13, wherein said vent assembly includes acombination of base and cowl that generally simulates a “three humped”tile structure.
 18. A roof vent assembly for positioning within a firstgenerally horizontal course of roof tiles, said first course of tilesbeing adjacent to and below a second generally horizontal course of rooftiles, said vent assembly comprising: A) a base defining at least oneupwardly-directed surface portion and a vent portion, said surfaceportion of said base configured to substantially match at least some ofthe upper surfaces of said first course of tiles; and B) a cowl attachedto and suspended above said vent portion of said base, said cowldefining at least one surface portion configured to substantially matchat least some of the upper surfaces of said second course of tiles. 19.A vent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roof structure asclaimed in claim 18, wherein said vent assembly includes a combinationof base and cowl that generally simulates a flat tile structure.
 20. Avent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roof structure asclaimed in claim 18, wherein said vent assembly includes a combinationof base and cowl that generally simulates a “humped” tile structure. 21.A vent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roof structure asclaimed in claim 18, wherein said vent assembly includes a combinationof base and cowl that generally simulates a “two humped” tile structure.22. A vent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roofstructure as claimed in claim 18, wherein said vent assembly includes acombination of base and cowl that generally simulates a “three humped”tile structure.
 23. A method for providing a roof vent assemblypositioned within a first generally horizontal course of roof tiles,said first course of tiles being adjacent to and below a secondgenerally horizontal course of roof tiles, said method comprising thesteps of: A) providing a base defining at least one upwardly-directedsurface portion and a vent portion, said surface portion of said baseconfigured to blend in with at least some of the upper surfaces of saidfirst course of tiles; and B) providing a cowl attached to and suspendedabove said vent portion of said base, said cowl defining at least onesurface portion configured to blend in with at least some of the uppersurfaces of said second course of tiles.
 24. A method for providing aroof vent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roof structureas claimed in claim 23, wherein said vent assembly includes acombination of base and cowl that generally simulates a flat tilestructure.
 25. A method for providing a roof vent assembly for use inconnection with an inclined roof structure as claimed in claim 23,wherein said vent assembly includes a combination of base and cowl thatgenerally simulates a “humped” tile structure.
 26. A method forproviding a roof vent assembly for use in connection with an inclinedroof structure as claimed in claim 23, wherein said vent assemblyincludes a combination of base and cowl that generally simulates a “twohumped” tile structure.
 27. A method for providing a roof vent assemblyfor use in connection with an inclined roof structure as claimed inclaim 23, wherein said vent assembly includes a combination of base andcowl that generally simulates a “three humped” tile structure.
 28. Amethod for providing a roof vent assembly positioned within a firstgenerally horizontal course of roof tiles, said first course of tilesbeing adjacent to and below a second generally horizontal course of rooftiles, said method comprising the steps of: A) providing a base definingat least one upwardly-directed surface portion and a vent portion, saidsurface portion of said base configured to substantially match at leastsome of the upper surfaces of said first course of tiles; and B)providing a cowl attached to and suspended above said vent portion ofsaid base, said cowl defining at least one surface portion configured tosubstantially match at least some of the upper surfaces of said secondcourse of tiles.
 29. A method for providing a roof vent assembly for usein connection with an inclined roof structure as claimed in claim 28,wherein said vent assembly includes a combination of base and cowl thatgenerally simulates a flat tile structure.
 30. A method for providing aroof vent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roof structureas claimed in claim 28, wherein said vent assembly includes acombination of base and cowl that generally simulates a “humped” tilestructure.
 31. A method for providing a roof vent assembly for use inconnection with an inclined roof structure as claimed in claim 28,wherein said vent assembly includes a combination of base and cowl thatgenerally simulates a “two humped” tile structure.
 32. A method forproviding a roof vent assembly for use in connection with an inclinedroof structure as claimed in claim 28, wherein said vent assemblyincludes a combination of base and cowl that generally simulates a“three humped” tile structure.